In making this request , Luther moved wisely . His course convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse . Such calmness and self-command , unexpected in one who had shown himself bold and uncompromising , added to his power , and enabled him afterward to answer with a prudence , decision , wisdom , and dignity that surprised and disappointed his adversaries , and rebuked their insolence and pride . The next day he was to appear to render his final answer . For a time his heart sank within him as he contemplated the forces that were combined against the truth . His faith faltered ; fearfulness and trembling came upon him , and horror overwhelmed him . Dangers multiplied before him ; his enemies seemed about to triumph , and the powers of darkness to prevail . Clouds gathered about him and seemed to separate him from God . He longed for the assurance that the Lord of hosts would be with him . In anguish of spirit he threw himself with his face upon the earth and poured out those broken , heart-rending cries , which none but God can fully understand .
" O Almighty and Everlasting God ," he pleaded , " how terrible is this world ! Behold , it openeth its mouth to swallow me up , and I have so little trust in Thee . . . . If it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust , all is over . . . . My last hour is come , my condemnation has been pronounced . . . . O God , do Thou help me against all the wisdom of the world . Do this , . . . Thou alone ; . . . for this is not my work , but Thine . I have nothing to do here , nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world . . . . But the cause is Thine , . . . and it is a righteous and eternal cause . O Lord , help me ! Faithful and unchangeable God , in no man do I place my trust . . . . All that is of man is uncertain ; all that cometh of man fails . . . . Thou hast chosen me for this work . . . . Stand at my side , for the sake of Thy well-beloved Jesus Christ , who is my defense , my shield , and my strong tower ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 .
An all-wise Providence had permitted Luther to realize his peril , that he might not trust to his own strength and rush presumptuously into danger . Yet it was not the fear of personal suffering , a dread of torture or death , which seemed immediately impending , that overwhelmed him with its terror . He had come to the crisis , and he felt his insufficiency to meet it . Through his weakness the cause of truth might suffer loss . Not for his own safety , but for the triumph of the gospel did he wrestle with God . Like Israel ' s , in that night struggle beside the lonely stream , was the anguish and conflict of his soul . Like Israel , he prevailed with God . In his utter helplessness his faith fastened upon Christ , the mighty Deliverer . He was strengthened with the assurance that he would not appear alone before the council . Peace returned to his soul , and he rejoiced that he was permitted to uplift the word of God before the rulers of the nations .
With his mind stayed upon God , Luther prepared for the struggle before him . He thought upon the plan of his answer , examined passages in his own writings , and drew from the Holy Scriptures suitable proofs to sustain his positions . Then , laying his left hand on the Sacred Volume , which was open before him , he lifted his right hand to heaven and vowed " to remain faithful to the gospel , and freely to confess his faith , even should he seal his testimony with his blood ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 .
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